A number of HTC Desire users are complaining about being unable to download certain apps from the Android Market. I first discovered this problem when several multiple readers complained that our recently covered RunKeeper wasn’t appearing in the Android Market, and I couldn’t figure out why. After some quick searching, I came across an AndroidGuys post that discovered the apparent problem.

The HTC Desire and Legend are having trouble displaying copy-protected applications because Google has yet to update its ROM database. Every phone operates on particular software (ROM) that has an identifier which allows the Android Market to know which apps that phone is allowed to see. The problem is that Google has yet to update the Desire and Legend’s identifiers in its database, causing users of either phone to be unable to see certain copy-protected apps. That means RunKeeper, Layar, Twidroid, and other apps that have copy-protection will be unavailable for download until Google fixes this problem.

Remember, this is the same problem that we discovered back in November when Sprint Hero and Droid Eris users were unable to see certain apps because of this same issue. HTC has done all it can and is simply waiting for Google to flip the switch and make copy-protected apps visible once again. Let’s speed this up, Google!

I think the problem is more complicated than just the Copy Protection. Since I have had reports about people that cannot find my apps which have Copy Protection off. I have seen a mention here (http://www.androidcentral.com/anroid-quick-app-where) that suggest its per carrier and what they 'want' to allow. I dont have any opinions on the issue, I would just like to see it solved. I am a developer this kind of stuff makes my job a whole lot harder.